The Basler Psalms by Daan Manneke are being performed in their entirety for the first time in the Netherlands by students of the organ class of the Royal Conservatoire, Evan Bogerd, organist at the Westerkerk and Jos van der Kooy, teacher for the organ major at the Royal Conservatoire.

Daan Manneke composed the Basler Psalms in 2019, commissioned by organist Andreas Liebig and Verein Orgelkonzerte im Basler Münster. The occasion was the 900th anniversary of the Münster. Our compatriot Erasmus van Rotterdam is buried in the church. The fourth part of the work is based on a text by him and is performed by a soprano accompanied by organ. The other six movements are pieces for organ solo and are played on the monumental main organ. They are based on Psalms from the Geneva Psalter, which is sung in the German language in Basel. This psalm, originally in French, has also been sung in our country since the 16th century. That makes this contemporary music accessible to many.

The work is performed by students from the organ class of the Royal Conservatoire and their teacher Jos van der Kooy, who has long been regarded as an advocate for contemporary music. Composer Daan Manneke has coached the students in a masterclass in the interpretation of his music. Evan Bogerd, organist of the Westerkerk and former student of the Royal Conservatoire plays two fantasies by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, whose 400th anniversary will be widely commemorated on 16 October. Sweelinck also composed works on Genevan Psalms. Daan Manneke incorporates elements and techniques from his work in his compositions.